The salaries of city managers in the area have come under scrutiny following the city of Bell's scandal involving overpaid city officials. Bell's now-ousted city manager Robert Rizzo was earning close to $800,000. Arcadia city manager Don Penman's salary of $214,032 is shown in a chart along with other nearby city managers.
City clerks often earn six figure salaries. Pasadena has the highest paid clerk in the San Gabriel Valley with an annual salary of $143,006, and 10 cities have clerks that make more than $100,000. The City Clerk is responsible for all city records and for orchestrating city elections. Arcadia's city manager Don Penman said the role of city clerk as chief record keeper is essential and the pay is justified because of the level of responsibility the position demands. Arcadia's city clerk is paid $90,870 per year.
In lieu of pay raises, Arcadia City Council members and city employees will see an increase in the city's contribution to their health benefits. "It is fair because in these economic times, we couldn't afford to give (employees) anything else," said Mayor Peter Amundson. The total fiscal impact will be $56,750 for all employees.
Dominic Lazzaretto will be the new Arcadia City Manager, pending City Council's approval next week. He replaces Don Penman and is expected to start on March 26. He has been City Manager of La Palma for 6 years.
Pension reform is happening with Arcadia city employees. Arcadia City Council approved an ordinance last week whereby police officers and firefighters hired by the city are now required to pay their full employee share, or 9 percent, of their pension costs--an amount previously covered by the city. In addition, tentative agreements are in place with 4 out of 5 employee unions, to have members pay their full share by the next 3 years. Annual increases in employee costs during that period would be offset by equivalent annual raises. Other San Gabriel cities may follow suit.
With about a dozen Southern California cities, including Arcadia, potentially seeking new city managers this fall, some local officials are worried demand could drive up the salaries. Arcadia City Councilman Roger Chandler, whose city manager Don Penman is retiring in October, after 3 years as top administrator, said the opportunity to work for certain cities will outweigh the competitive market. He said this will not create a bidding war for city managers. Penman's annual salary is $214,032 plus $4000 in deferred compensation. He receives $14,076/year in medical benefits, 4 weeks vacation, 2 weeks management leave, and use of a car and BlackBerry.
Arcadia's new city manager Dominic Lazzaretto is ready for the job. He starts March 26 and replaces Don Penman who retired last November. He comes to Arcadia from a City Manager position in La Palma.
Arcadia Library Board of Trustees appoints Mary Beth Hayes as interim Director of Library and Museum Services, following the sudden death of Jackie Faust-Moreno. Mary Beth Hayes has been employed by the City of Arcadia since 1989 and is currently Library Services Manager.
Arcadia City Council approves $55.7 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2015-2016. Officials anticipate revenue totaling $59.7 million, enabling $4.5 million in funds transfers toward road and park improvements, staff equipment upgrades, a boost to the general liability and workers' compensation fund, establishing a reserve fund for building a new City Hall and nearly $500,000 in new programs and employees.
Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) finds “no evidence of intent to conceal information” by Arcadia Councilmember Tom Beck. He was alleged to have committed campaign violations related to timely reporting of contributor information in Arcadia’s municipal election.
Arcadia homeowners welcome city ordinance, which creates a registry of homeowners' contact information. Ordinance 2346 overhauls regulations the City has on "nuisances" such as weeds, vermin, and squatters.
Heroic 90 year-old Santa Anita Park paddock guard John Shear will be featured on Horse Racing Television (HRTV) this Sunday, on the "Inside Information" documentary series. He saved a young girl from serious injury while doing his job.
Arcadia Circa 2020. Economic Development Analyst Tim Schwehr (photo) will present a commercial development preview of City of Arcadia circa 2020 at the Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Forum.
Jerry Collins Picnic Pavilion dedication ceremony will be held July 19, 2016 at Wilderness Park at 2240 N. Highland Oaks Drive in Arcadia. There is a memorial plaque to commemorate his life. He was a former Director of Parks and Recreation for City of Arcadia. He started his service with City of Arcadia in 1970 and had a 24 year career. See also Arcadia Weekly, p. 1, 12, July 21, 2016.
General Municipal Election announced for April 10, 2018 to elect three city council members for Districts 2, 3 and 5. (This will be the first election since switching from at-large elections to district elections.)
Santa Anita Park CEO, Mark Verge, resigns, after some criticism from California Horse Racing Board and a verbal altercation with trainer Bob Baffert's wife. George Haines, General Manager, is expected to run Santa Anita Park.
Arcadia's General Municipal Election slated for April 10, 2018 for these officers: 3 members of City Council for Districts 2, 3, and 5 (full term of 4 years). This will be the first time Arcadia has district-based elections.